Novel and Investigational Drugs in Depression
Desiree N. Shapiro *
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161-116A, USA
Stephen M. Stahl
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161-116A, USA and Neuroscience Education Institute, 1930 Palomar Point Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK and California Department of State Hospitals, Sacramento, California, USA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a serious medical illness associated with significant burden. Our current treatments for depression are limited, which has motivated researchers to explore novel targets. This article will highlight new psychopharmacological agents and investigational directions which may show promise in achieving better outcomes and symptom relief for those suffering from depression. This review will address key categories of novel therapeutic targets for depression. The newer and investigational agents involving monoaminergic transmission will be discussed, followed by those with glutamatergic, opioid, anticholinergic, and miscellaneous mechanisms. As the field continues to learn more about the pathophysiology of depression, there will be an emergence of additional innovative targets and investigational mechanisms, along with an improvement in our treatment outcomes.
Keywords: Antidepressants, novel, investigational, major depressive disorder